Hands and feet gripping the ground saturated with rain, they are trying to discover the next sturdy tuft of grass or rock to bare some weight. Each step of progress feels satisfying until the eyes glance up the mountain with a chilling realization of just how far you have traveled. Head down and keep moving becomes the mantra. This was the scene for the runners in the Vertical K and the last climb for the 39K and 55K at the Flagstaff Sky Races.

Vertical K Race

The clouds glided along as they hugged the peaks. With some fierce wind the runners of the Vertical K set out to conquer the slopes of Snowbowl, without snow and on foot. Due to construction on other ski runs the course was modified this year forcing the runners to take three downhill sections. It created another level of mental toughness to achieve so much vertical only to lose most of your climbing before starting a new section. As the runners finished they remarked on the difficulty and insanity but ultimately would be happy to do it again. Some exclaiming, “This was the hardest VK course I have ever done.” This is Sky Running. A path up a mountain that doesn’t need to be a trail but provides a fast or “fun” challenging way to reach the peak.

The reaction of runners as they finished the VK course. Photo: Aravaipa Running.

This type of running invites a different crowd of mountain runners. Those who traveled up the mountain the fastest were Joseph Gray in 48 minutes with John Gaston less than a minute back. Gordon Gianniny of Western State University team in Colorado rounded out the podium for the men. Kelly Wolf was the first woman to cross the finish line in 1:00:46. Next would be Sara Keyes about seven minutes back and third was Colleen Lingley a minute after Keyes.

Joseph Gray crossing the finish line of the Vertical K! Photo: Aravaipa Running.

39K Race

Starting at 8:00 a.m. with the sun in full bloom the runners headed out sweating early on from the heat. However, they would soon feel relief from the temperatures but not the burn in their legs at the top of Elden Mountain. Strong winds blew off any past sweat and later climbs with rain and light hail would rinse them off. The middle section of the course is runnable as the racers experience some incredible views of Flagstaff and the surrounding area.

Kachina aid station is just over 1/2 way for the 39K (17.2 miles). The runners came in and out with a purpose – most needed no more than a quick refill of their bottle and then they were out. Many runners came in together or were only a few minutes behind the next runner. The race for both the men and women’s field would stay close until the end.

Kachina Aid Station: (17.2 miles into 39K) Sandi Nypaver making a quick transition. Photo: Aravaipa Running.

The second to last downhill was a sight to see. Runners travel down a ski slope into Snowbowl Aid Station. As a spectator it is fun to see a runner at such a long distance away. On the other hand the runners stare at the aid station at the bottom of the hill as they travel down to Snowbowl for the first time. Then they must leave the comfort of the finish line area to go back up the mountain one last time on much of the Vertical K course. With sections boasting a 60% grade most runners resolve to climb on all fours.

Tyate Pollmann going up the finale climb during the 39K. Photo: Sweet M Images

A sprint to the finish was needed for Joseph Gray to secure his win in 4:00:25 with Tayte Pollmann finishing just three seconds later. Patrick Parsel crossed the finish line just 11 minutes later to round out the podium. The ladies also had close finishes with two Flagstaff women claiming top positions on their home course. Alicia Vargo finished her run in 4:51:55 with second, Kristi Knecht two minutes later. About a minute after Knecht, Sandi Nypaver crossed the finish line. Then three more minutes back coming in fourth for the 39K and first for the overall US Skyrunning Sky series was Sarah Pizzo. It was an exciting ten minutes at the finish.

55K Race

The 55K runners start their run by climbing Elden twice – a prospect that many lamented and the unsuspecting soon found out why. With the entire race over 7,000 ft the immediate climbs at the start of the race did nothing to help heart rates of those not acclimated.

Cresting part of the last climb. Photo: Sweet M Images

After the double Elden, the 55K course follows the same route as the 39K with the equally exciting descent into Snowbowl before the final climb. Morgan Elliot, who lead the majority of the race finished first in 5:41:24, which also secured his spot as first for the US Skyrunning Ultra series! Daniel Kraft claimed second six minutes later with Anthony Kunkel placing third three minutes behind him. Kelly Wolf was the first woman to finish in 6:33:45. Sarah Keyes would be the next to cross in 7:25:23 also earning her spot as first for the US Skyrunning Ultra series and third Tiana Tallant in 8:20:01.

View of the finish line from the second to last decent. Photo: Aravaipa Running.

The finish line was alive with excitement and a large crowd of spectators. With the awards ceremony at 2 p.m. the faster runners milled around and had an opportunity to spend time together off the trails. The crowd eagerly cheered on the runners as they came through this last aid station as well as when they came back from the final climb and descent to finish their rewarding run. Warm food and a fun atmosphere greeted the runners. It was a great way to cap of another season of Skyrunning!

Congratulations to all of the runners at this year’s Flagstaff Sky Race!